Brazil were handed their first defeat since last summer’s World Cup, with defender Jeison Murillo’s first-half winner salvaging Colombia’s Copa America hopes.
Jose Pekerman’s team suffered a surprise defeat to Venezuela in their opening game of the tournament, but got their campaign back on track with a well-deserved and hard fought win over Brazil - only the third of their history.
David Luiz was dropped from the Selecao lineup following his mistake in the opening clash against Peru, with PSG teammate Thiago Silva come in as his replacement. Regardless, Colombia started brightly and pressed a shaky-looking Brazil backline. Defender Murillo scored what turned out to be the winner after 35 minutes, scrambling home a finish from close range after an Juan Cuadrado freekick.
Goalscoring opportunities were at a premium, but Colombia deserved their lead at the break. Neymar - who will miss the final group game after picking up a booking - and co. continued to toil after the break, with Philippe Coutinho coming on for the second half as Dunga looked to give his side more invention in attack.
But the Liverpool playmaker’s introduction didn’t have the desired effort, with Brazil struggling to create opportunities throughout, although Roberto Firmino should have netted an equaliser in the second half.
However, the Hoffenheim man blasted over with an empty goal gaping - as Colombia avenged their World Cup defeat to Brazil last summer.
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